Herbal composition for treating CD33+ acute and chronic myeloid leukemia and a method thereof

ABSTRACT

A method of treating CD33+ acute and chronic myeloid leukemia in animals including humans, using fraction nos. 1 and 9 obtained from water:methanol fraction by column chromatography, with ratio of water and methanol ranging between 1:5 to 5:1, wherein said water:methanol fraction is obtained from the polar extract of  Piper betel  by HPLC, with retention time of 3.6 and 24.0 minutes respectively, with said fractions used both individually, and in combination.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

(This is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/772,003,filed Jan. 30, 2001 and Provisional Application No. 60/384,163, filedMay 31, 2002.)

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention also relates to a method of treating Myeloid leukemiausing the betel leaf extract to an animal including human beingssuffering from Myeloid leukemia. Further, this invention also relates toa herbal based composition for treatment of CD33+ acute and chronicmyeloid leukemia by Piper betel leaf extracts, fractions of Piper betelleaf extracts and 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid purified from Piper betelleaves extract.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART REFERENCES

Betel leaves have a strong pungent aromatic flavor and are widely usedas a masticatory. Generally, mature or over mature leaves, which haveceased growing but not yet become brittle are used for chewing. Thebasic preparation for chewing purposes consists of betel leaf smearedwith hydrated lime and catechu to which scrapings of arecanut are added;flavorings such as coconut shavings, clove, cardamom, fennel, powderedliquorice, nutmeg and also tobacco are used according to one's taste. Insome places prepared pan is covered with silver or gold leaf. As amasticatory, it is credited with many properties: it is aromatic,digestive, stimulant and carminative.

Medicinally it is useful in catarrhal and pulmonary infections; it isalso used for poultices. The effects of chewing of betel with arecanutand other adjuncts are the excitation of the salivary glands and theirritation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. The red colorationproduced is due to a pigment in the arecanut, which manifests itselfunder the action of alkali in time and catechu. A mild degree ofstimulation is produced, resulting in a sensation of warmth and wellbeing, besides imparting a pleasant odor. The most important factordetermining the aromatic value of the leaf is the amount andparticularly the nature of the essential oil present. Betel leaves fromdifferent regions vary in smell and taste. The most pungent is theSanchi type, while the most mild and sweet ones are from Madras.

The betel leaves contain essential oils, the content of oil varies from0.7 to 2.6 percent depending upon the varieties of leaves. The oilconsists of phenols and terpens. The higher the proportion of phenoloil, the better the quality. An isomer of eugenol named chavibetol(betel phenol; 4-allyl-2-hydroxy-1-methoxy benzene) is considered to bethe characteristic constituent of betel oil. It is however, absent inIndian samples. Betel oil of Indian types contain as a predominantphenolic constituent. Oil of betel has been used in the treatment ofvarious respiratory catarrhs, under as a local application either bygargle or by inhalation in diphtheria. It has carminative properties. Itexhibits in different action on the central nervous system of mammals;lethal doses produce deep narcosis leading to death with a few hours.

The essential oil and extracts of the leaves possess activity againstseveral Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as Micrococcuspyogenes var. albus, Bacillus subtilis and B. megaterium, Diplococcuspneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonellatyphosa, Vibrio comma, Shigella dysenteriae, Proteus vulgaris,Pseudomonas solanacaerum, Sarcina lutea and Erwinia carotorora. Theessential oil and leaf extracts also showed antifungal activity againstAsperigillus niger and A. oryzae, Curvularia lunata and Fusariumoxysporum. The oil is found to be lethal in about 5 minutes to theprotozoa Paramaeceum caudatum (Wealth of India, Vol. 8, pg. 84-94). Itinhibits the growth of Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhosum and Shigellaflexneri and Escherichia coli. Steam—distillate of the leaves showedactivity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Myeloid leukemia is usually subdivided into two groups: Acute MyeloidLeukemia (AML) and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). AML is characterizedby an increase in the number of myeloid cells in the marrow and anarrest in their maturation, frequently resulting in hematopoieticinsufficiency. In the United States, the annual incidence of AML isapproximately 2.4 per 100,000 and it increases progressively with age toa peak of 12.6 per 100,000 adults 65 years of age or older. Despiteimproved therapeutic approaches, prognosis of AML is very poor aroundthe globe. Even in the United States, five-year survival rate amongpatients who are less than 65 years of age is less than 40%. During thelast decade this value was 15. Similarly, the prognosis of CML is alsovery poor in spite of advancement of clinical medicine.

Myeloid leukemia, both acute (AML) and chronic (CML) are lethal, thereis no drug directing towards the destruction of the myeloid cells andthese cells poorly respond to chemotherapy, which is alwaysnon-specific, thus adversely affecting normal cells. Unique property ofthe therapy with Piper betel components is the killing of myeloid cancercells by recognizing CD33+ marker on the cell membrane, leaving normalcells without getting affected.

Japanese Patent No. JP 63089744 titled new substance and anticancer drugrefers to using betel palm extracts as anticancer drug. Here, Applicantwould like to clarify that betel palm and piper betel are two differentthings. Piper betel belongs to pepper family called Piperaceae, whereasbetel Palm belongs to Palm family Arecaceae. The list of websites thatestablish the statement made by the Applicant is as shown below.

www.school.discovery.com

www.undcp.com

www.channels.apollolife.com

www.newcrops.uq.edu.au

Further, its is a known fact that there are hundreds of type of cancersand each cancer condition is a reflection of different causative factorsand different cellular behaviors.

Applicants work is extremely specific and there is no reference in thiscited art to provide any idea regarding potential of said extract frompiper betel in the treatment of myeloid leukemia. As mentioned earlier,each type of cancer leads to its own peculiar health condition and onecompound capable of treating one type of cancer may not be considered tobe useful in treating other types of cancer also. All this requiresconsiderable amount of scientific understanding and years ofexperimentation.

Further, the Applicant of the instant Application has worked onspecificity and is been able to establish that piper betel extract hasanti-monocytic activity and said activity can be use in the treatment ofmyeloid leukemia. Therefore, Betel palm can not be considered to cureany type of cancer.

Sengupta et al in Indian Journal of Experimental Biology Vol. 38, April2000, pp. 338-342 year 2002 refers to toxicity evaluation of extractfrom piper betel Linn. and make an observation that the said extractcause reduction of total white blood cell (W.B.C.) count. Here,Applicants would like to clarify that White blood cells are consistingof basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Thecited art refers to mere decrease in the total W.B.C counts. Thedecrease in W.B.C count could be decrease in any of the fiveconstituents of W.B.C.

In addition, it is seen that activation or suppression of one type ofW.B.C. will not automatically lead to similar behavior by other type.There are instances where activation to a particular stimuli will berestricted to only one type of W.B.C. for example allergy leads toincrease in the number of basophils but levels of other type of W.B.C.sremains more or less constant.

Further it is also seen that activation of T-lymphocytes will not alwayslead to corresponding activation of B-lymphocytes. So basically, thebehavior of each of this type of W.B.C. is not identical and thusreduction in levels of one type of W.B.C. will not always pull thelevels of other type of W.B.C. also. Though the total W.B.C. willdefinitely come down.

Since the cited art merely refers to decrease in the levels of W.B.C.with piper betel Linn. and make no reference to the decrease in thelevel of monocytes, it is considered not at all enabling as to theinvention of Applicant.

Further, the cited art involves in vivo studies on rat, wherein the ratshave been exposed to high dose of piper betel leaf stalk. Also, theexposure is for as long as 60 days. Now, under conditions like high doseand that too for such a long duration, the change in the levels ofW.B.C. and R.B.C. can not be interpreted in terms of medicinal aspects.The whole purpose of conducting the experiment in the cited art was tounderstand the toxicology of the piper betel. The decrease in the levelsof W.B.C. count refers to change in the levels of W.B.C. under extremeconditions.

In addition, the percentage content of the monocytes in the total W.B.C.is not more than 3-7 percent. Therefore, the decrease in the levels ofW.B.C. in the cited art cannot help one conclude that the total decreaseis due to decrease in the levels of monocyte and only monocytes and notany other kinds of W.B.C.

Myeloid leukemia is usually subdivided into two groups: Acute MyeloidLeukemia (AML) and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). AML is characterizedby an increase in the number of myeloid cells in the bone marrow and anarrest in their maturation. In the United States, the annual incidenceof AML is approximately 2.4 per 100,000 and it increases progressivelywith age, to a peak of 12.6 per 100,000 in adults of 65 years age orolder. The CML is a malignant clonal disorder of hematopoietic stemcells. The median age at presentation is 53 years, but it occurs at allage groups, including children.

The natural history of CML is progression from a benign chronic phase toa rapidly fatal blast crisis within three to five years or even earlier.The prognosis of CML is also poor inspite of vast advancement ofclinical medicine (1). CD33 represents a specific and useful marker inthe process of myeloid cell differentiation (2). Recent reports suggestthat engagement of CD33 by monoclonal antibody induced apoptosis leadingto growth inhibition of proliferation of AML and CML cells in vitro(2,3). Exploiting the myeloid specific expression of CD33, humanizedanti-CD33 monoclonal antibody conjugated with anti-cancer drug has beentried in AML patients with significant success (4). With the extractfrom Piper betel leaves anti-myeloid activity was claimed earlier(Patent filed no. PCT/INOO/00118 dated Dec. 12, 2000).

Hence, Applicant's earlier finding is in directed consonance with thepresent patent filing on Piper betel leaf extract, fractionated leafextracts and purified compound 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid (FIG. 3)obtained from leaf extract for treating CD33+ acute and chronic myeloidleukemia.

Piper betel leaves have a strong pungent aromatic flavour and are widelyused in India as a masticatory. Generally, mature or overmature leaves,which have ceased growing but not yet become brittle are used forchewing. The basic preparation for chewing purposes consists of betelleaf smeared with hydrated lime and catechu to which scrapings ofarecanut are added; flavourings such as coconut shavings, clove,cardamom, fennel, powdered liquorice, nutmeg and also tobacco are usedaccording to one's taste. In some places prepared Piper betel leafpreparation is covered with silver or gold film. As a masticatory, it iscredited with many properties: it is aromatic, digestive, stimulant andcarminative.

Medicinally it is useful in catarrhal and pulmonary infections; it isalso used for poultices. The effects of chewing of betel leaves witharecanut and other adjuncts are the excitation of the salivary glandsand the irritation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. The redcoloration produced is due to a pigment in the arecanut, which manifestsitself under the action of alkali in lime and catechu. A mild degree ofstimulation is produced, resulting in a sensation of warmth andwell-being, besides imparting a pleasant odour. The most importantfactor determining the aromatic value of the leaf is the amount andparticularly the nature of the essential oil present.

Betel leaves from different regions vary in smell and taste. The mostpungent is the Sanchi type, white the most mild and sweet ones are fromVaranasi. The betal leaves contain essential oils, the content of oilvaries from 0.7 to 2.6 percent depending upon the varieties of leaves.The oil consists of phenols and terpens. The higher the proportion ofphenol the better the quality. An isomer of eugenol named chavibetol(betel phenol; 4-alkyl-2-hydroxy-1methoxy benzene) is considered to becharacteristic constituent of betel oil. Betel oil of Indian typescontains a predominant phenolic constituent and used in the treatment ofvarious respiratory problems, either as a local application or bygargle. It has carminative properties. It exhibits in different actionson the central nervous system of mammals.

The essential oil and extracts of the leaves possess activity againstseveral Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as Micrococcuspyogenes var. Albus, Bacillus subtilis and B. Megaterium, Diplococcuspneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonellatyphosa, Vibrio comma, Shigella dysenteriae, Proteus vulgaris,Pdseudomonas solanacaerum, Sarcina lutea and Erwinia carotorora.

The essential oil and leaf extracts also showed anti-fungal activityagainst Asperigillus niger and A. Oryzae, Curvularia lunata and Fusariumoxysporum. The oil is found to be lethal in about 5 minutes to theprotozoa, Paramaeceum caudatum (5). Steam-distillate of the leavesshowed activity against Mycobacterium tyberculosis. Some of thereferences are as follows: 1. Sawyers C L, The New England Journal ofMedicine, 340 (17), 1330-1340, 1999; 2. Vitale, C; Romagnani, C, et al.,Proc. Natl. Acd. Sci. USA, 96 (26), 15091-15096, 1999; 3. Vitale, C etal., Proc. Natl. Acd. Sci, USA., 98 (10), 5764-5769, 2001; 4. Sievers EL, Appelbaum, F R et al., Blood, 93, 3678-3684, 1999.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The main object of the invention is for treating myeloid leukemia inanimals including human beings using betel leaf extract.

Another object is to provide a composition comprising betel leaf extractuseful for the treatment of myeloid leukemia.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a new herbal-basedcomposition for the treatment of CD33+ acute and chronic myeloidleukemia by Piper betel leaf extracts.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a process for theisolation of active fractions from leaves or any other plant parts ofPiper betel to treat CD33+AML and CML.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a simplified methodof isolation of active components from all plant parts of Piper betelpossessing biological activities relevant to the treatment of CD33+ AMLand CML.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new herbal productfrom active fraction from leaves or any other plant parts of Piper betelfor the treatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a herbal compound3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid purified from leaves of Piper betel for thetreatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a process for thepreparation of extract from leaves or any other plant parts of Piperbetel for the treatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a simplified methodof extract preparation from leaves or any other plant parts of Piperbetel for the treatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a process for thepreparation of 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid from leaves of Piper betel forthe treatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a simplified methodof preparation of 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid from all plant parts ofPiper betel for the treatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet the above objects, the invention provides anti monocyticactivity of betel leaf extract and this activity is employed fortreating myeloid leukemia in animals including human beings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method of treatingCD33+acute and chronic myeloid leukemia in animals including humans,using fraction nos. 1 and 9 obtained from water: methanol fraction bycolumn chromatography, with ratio of water and methanol ranging between1:5 to 5:1, wherein said water:methanol fraction is obtained from thepolar extract of piper betel by HPLC, with retention time of 3.6 and24.0 minutes respectively, with said fractions used both individually,and in combination, and a composition comprising the said fraction nos.1 and 9.

In an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a method of treatingMyeloid leukemia in animals including human beings using the betel leafextract, lyophilized extract or a composition comprising betel leafextract, said method comprising administering a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of betel leaf extract, lyophilized extract or acomposition comprising betel leaf extract to an animal including humanbeings suffering from Myeloid leukemia.

In another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the compositioncomprising betel leaf extract associated with or in combination with apharmaceutically acceptable additive.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the additiveis selected in such a manner that does not interfere with the activityof betel leaf extract.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theadditive is selected from nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates,sugar, talc, magnesium sterate, cellulose, calcium carbonate,starch-gelatin paste and/or pharmaceutically acceptable carriers,excipient, diluent or solvent.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the betelleaf extract or the composition is administered orally orintramuscularly.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the oralroute is in the form of capsule, syrup, concentrate, powder or granules.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ratioof betel leaf extract to the additive is in the range between 1-10:10-1.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the betelleaf extract is obtained by crushing the betel leaf or extracting thecrushed leafs with water or organic solvents such as alcohol,carbontetrachloride, chloroform and acetone.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the betelleaf extract or the composition administered at a dosage level between 5to 20 mg/kg of body weight for alternate days for one month.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thecomposition reduces the viability of monocytes by 80%.

In an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a method ofdestroying monocytes present in human peripheral mononuclear cells(PBMCs) for treating myeloid leukemia, using betel leaf extract,lyophilized extract or a composition comprising betel leaf extract and apharmaceutically acceptable additive, said method comprising treatingPBMCs with a pharmaceutically effective amount of betel leaf extract,lyophilized extract or a composition comprising betel leaf extract and apharmaceutically acceptable additive.

In another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the human PBMCsare treated with the said extract or composition for overnight.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thedestruction of monocytes is detected by using flow cytometry.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein saidmethod reduces the viability of monocytes at least by 80%.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein saidextract or composition shows no adverse effect on lymphocytes.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein themyeloid leukemia is treated by using the said extract or the compositionat a dosage level between 5 to 20 mg/kg body weight for alternate daysfor one month.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the betelleaf extract or the composition is administered orally orintramuscularly.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the saidextract and the composition for the oral route is in the form ofcapsule, syrup, concentrate, powder, or granules.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the betelleaf extract is obtained by crushing the betel leaf or extracting thecrushed leafs with water or organic solvents such as alcohol, carbontetrachloride, chloroform, and acetone.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theadditive is selected in such a manner that it does not interfere withthe activity of betel leaf extract.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein additiveis selected from nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, sugar, talc,magnesium sterate, cellulose, calcium carbonate, starch-gelatin pasteand/or pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipient, diluent orsolvent.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein ratios ofbetel leaf extract to the additive is in the range between 1-10:1-10.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a methodof treating CD33+ both acute and chronic myeloid leukemia in mammalsincluding humans, using water methanol fraction nos. 1 and 9 obtainedfrom polar extract of piper betel by HPLC, with retention time of 3.6and 24.0 minutes respectively, with said fractions used bothindividually, and in combination, said method comprising steps of:

exposing a patient of myeloid leukemia with the said fraction(s)intravenously, and

observing reduction in the levels of myeloid leukemia cells in thepatient.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein ratio ofwater and methanol is ranging between 1:5 to 5:1.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein fractionno. 9 is compound 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thecompound 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid of fraction no. 9 is more effectivein acute myeloid leukemia as compared to chronic myeloid leukemia.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein whereinpurified compound 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid of fraction 9 shows 100%efficacy against acute myeloid leukemia at concentration about 600·g/ml.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein dosage ofeach fraction individually ranging between 200-500 mg/day.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein dosage offraction nos. 1, and 9 in combination is ranging between 125 to 370mg/day.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein ratio ofdosage of fraction nos. 1 and 9 is ranging between 0.1:5 to 5:0.1,preferably, 1:1.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein fraction 1is more efficient as compared to fraction 9.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, whereincombination of fractions 1 and 9 is more effective in the management ofmyeloid leukemia as compared to the said fractions alone.

In another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a compositionuseful for treating CD33+ acute and chronic myeloid leukemia in animalsincluding humans, said composition comprising water: methanol fractionnos. 1 and 9 obtained from polar extract of plant piper betel by HPLC,with retention time of 3.6 and 24.0 minutes respectively, with saidfractions used both individually and in combination.

In another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fraction 9contains compound 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein A method ofisolating biologically active fraction nos. 1 and 9 from thewater:methanol fraction, obtained from polar extract of plant piperbetel, said method comprising steps of:

-   a. cutting the plant parts into small pieces,-   b. homogenizing the said pieces with polar solvent to obtain an    extract,-   c. filtering the extract to collect filterate,-   d. lyophilizing the clear extract solution to obtain a semi-solid    mass,-   e. fractionating the said semi-solid mass using column    chromatography with only water, water-methanol with ratio ranging    between 1:5 to 5:1, and only methanol, as eluents,-   f. selecting water:methanol fraction from the column chromatography,-   g. running HPLC with flow rate of 1.0 ml/min, using solvent system    of methanol:water:acetic acid of ratio about 23:76:1,-   h. detecting about 12 peaks at about 280 nm, with varied retention    time ranging between 3.6 to 36 minutes,-   i. separating the said peaks in a preparative HPLC with flow rate of    12 ml/min, and-   j. obtaining fraction nos. 1 and 9 having desired biological    activity.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thefraction 9 contains compound 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, whereinoptionally, centrifuging the filterate to obtain a clear solution beforefractionating.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein ratio ofdosage of fraction nos. 1 and 9 is ranging between 0.1:5 to 5:0.1,preferably 1:1.

In an embodiment of the present invention, wherein accordingly, thepresent invention provides a new use of betel leaf extract namely antimonocytic activity. This anti Monocytic activity of betel leaf extractsis used for treating myeloid leukemia in animals including human beings.

In another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition useful for thetreatment of myeloid leukemia, said composition comprising effectiveamount of betel leaf extract together with or associated with apharmaceutically acceptable additive.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the additive is selected insuch a manner it does not interfere with the activity of betel leafextract.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the additive is selectedfrom nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and sugar, talc,magnesium sterate, cellulose, calcium carbonate, starch-gelatin pasteand/or pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipient, diluent orsolvent.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the betel leaf extract orthe composition is administered orally or intramuscularly.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the oral route is in theform of capsule, syrup, concentrate, powder or granules.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the ratio of betel leafextract to the additive is in the range between 10 to 1.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the betel leaf extract orthe composition is administered at a dosage level between 5 to 20 mg/kgof body weight for alternate days for one month.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the betel leaf extract orthe composition reduces the monocytes content by 80%.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the betel leaf extract orthe composition is used for the treatment of myeloid leukemia.

In still another embodiments of the invention, the betel leaf extract isadministered together with or associated with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable additive.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the additive is selectedin such a manner it does not interfere with the activity of betel leafextract.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the additive is selectedfrom nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and sugar, talc,magnesium sterate, cellulose, calcium carbonate, starch-gelatin pasteand/or pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the betel leaf extract orthe composition is administered orally or intramuscularly.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the oral route is in theform of capsule, syrup, concentrate, powder or granules.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the ratio of betel leafextract to the additive is in the range between 10 to 1.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the betel leaf extract orthe composition is administered at a dosage level between 5 to 20 mg/kgof body weight for alternate days for one month.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the betel leaf extract orthe composition reduces the viability of monocytes by 80%.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the betel leaf extract isobtained by crushing the betel leaf or extracting the crushed leafs withwater or organic solvents such as alcohol, carbontetrachloride,chloroform and acetone.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides the preparation ofbetel leaf extracts comprising the following steps:

-   -   1) washing of the fresh leaves of Piper betel and homogenizing        in a mixture blender;    -   2) sonicating in an ultrasonic bath with 2 to 3 bursts each for        15 minutes and filtering the extract, if desired repeating the        extraction at least once and drying; and    -   3) lyophilizing the extract to get a semi-solid mass

Yet another embodiment of the invention, the betel leaf (Piper betle) isselected from the following types namely Wild type, Climber type, Banglatype and Sweet type.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an herbal-based compositionfrom piper betle leaves for the treatment of CD33+ acute and chronicmyeloid leukemia.

Doses for myeloid leukemia patient depends on the in-vitro efficiency ofthe drug from piper betel either individually or in combination, thedoses of in-vitro application for human myeloid cancer patients mayrange from 200 mg to 500 mg per day per patient if given as individualfraction (fraction 1 or fraction 9) or as a combination of fraction 1and fraction 9 in the ratio between 0.1:5 to 5.0.1 preferably in theratio 1:1 totaling 125 mg to 370 mg per day per patient throughintravenous route.

In an embodiment of the invention relates to evaluation of bioactivityof fractions 1 to 9 isolated from piper betel leaf against cancer cells.

In an embodiment of the invention relates to evaluation of bioactivityof fractions 1 to 9 isolated from piper betel leaf for the treatment ofCD33+ acute and chronic myeloid leukemia.

In still embodiment of the invention, wherein invention also provides aprocess for isolation of 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid from piper betel,which is reported for the first time.

In still another embodiment of the invention, wherein said inventionrelates to a process for the isolation of active fractions from leavesor any other plant parts of Piper betel to treat CD33+ AML and CML.

In still another embodiment of the invention, wherein said inventionrelates to a simplified method of isolation of active components fromall plant parts of Piper betel possessing biological activities relevantto the treatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

In still another embodiment of the invention, wherein said inventionrelates to a new herbal composition/fraction from leaves or any otherplant parts of Piper betel for the treatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

In still another embodiment of the invention, wherein said inventionrelates to new activity of compound 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid purifiedfrom leaves of Piper betel for the treatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

In still another embodiment of the invention, wherein said inventionrelates to a process for the preparation of extract from leaves or anyother plant parts of Piper betel for the treatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

In still another embodiment of the invention, wherein said inventionrelates to simplified method of extract preparation from leaves or anyother plant parts of Piper betel for the treatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

In still another embodiment of the invention, wherein said inventionrelates to a process for the preparation of 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acidfrom leaves of Piper betel for the treatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

In still another embodiment of the invention relates to a simplifiedmethod of preparation of 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid from all plant partsof Piper betel for the treatment of CD33+ AML and CML.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) represents destruction of monocytes from human PBMCafter incubation with betel leaf extract.

FIG. 2 represents HPLC analysis of fraction E. The first peak havingretention time 3.6 min is designated as fraction 1, retention time 24.0is designated as fraction 9.

FIG. 3 represents structure of fraction 9 deduced as 3-O-p-coumarylquinic acid.

FIG. 4 represents destruction of CD33+ myeloid leukemia cells in vitroby P. Betel leaf extract as demonstrated by flow cytometry. Data ispresented as histograms. In upper panels, Forward Scattering of light(X-axis) is plotted against the cell numbers (counts Y-axis). In thelower panels, side scattering of light (X-axis) is plotted against thecell numbers. Solid lines represent data with myeloid leukemia cellsbefore treatment with P. betel leaf extract and the dotted linesrepresent data with myeloid leukemiccells after treatment with P. betelleaf extract (10.0 mg/ml) for 48 hours.

FIG. 5 represents destruction of CD33⁺ myeloid leukemic cells in vitroby fraction E as demonstrated by flow cytometry. Dot plots of ForwardScatter vs. Side Scatter with CD33⁺ myeloid leukemic cells before andafter treatment with fraction E (100.0 μg/ml) for 48 hours are shown inleft panels where gated region (R1) represents myeloid leukemic cells.Two colour dot plots are also shown after staining with fluoresceinisothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated anti-CD33 and phycocrytbrin (PE)conjugated anti-CD13 monoclonal antibodies. Isotype matched controlantibodies (FITC and PE conjugated) were used as negative controls.Upper left quadrants represented CD13, CD33⁺ cells and upper rightquadrants represented CD13⁺, CD33⁺ cells.

FIG. 6 represents CD33⁻ myeloid leukemic cells are unaffected byfraction E as demonstrated by flow cytometry. Two colour dot plots afterstaining CD33⁻ myeloid leukemic cells with anti-CD33-FITC andanti-CD13-PE monoclonal antibodies before and after treatment withfraction E (100.0 μg/ml) for 48 hours are shown. Isotype matched controlmonoclonal antibodies (FITC and PE labelled) were used as negativecontrols. Upper left quadrants represented CD13⁺, CD33 cells and upperright quadrants represented CD13⁺, CD33⁺ cells.

FIG. 7 represents flow diagram for example 5

FIG. 8 represents flow diagram for example 6

The following examples are given by way of explanation and forillustration only and these examples should not be construed in anymanner to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

34.14 gm of fresh leaves of Piper betle thoroughly washed in sterilewater was homogenized with 100 ml of glass distilled water in amixture-blender. It was then sonicated in an ultrasonic bath with 3burst each for 15 min. The extract was filtered through Whatman No. 1filter paper and the filtrate was collected. This process of extractionwas repeated three times. The combined extract was lyophilized yieldinga semi-solid mass weighing 1.17 gm. This was then tested for biologicalactivity.

EXAMPLE 2

The fresh leaves of Piper betle weighing 21.68 gm homogenized withdistilled water (60 ml) in a mixture—blender and then sonicated in anultrasonic bath with 2 burst each for 15 min. It was allowed to beextracted overnight or 16 hours. Filtering through Whatman No. 1 filterpaper separated the material extracted in water. This type of treatmentfor extraction was repeated for three times. The combined extract wasevaporated to dryness in a flash evaporator under reduced pressure at45° C. The residual substance was then dried in a desiccator under highvacuum and the semi-solid mass weighing 0.59 gm was tested forbiological activity.

Properties of the Extract Material:

The biologically active material obtained by examples 1 and 2 has thefollowing properties:

-   -   1) The dried semisolid prepared as stated above was a dark        colored material soluble in water and dimethyl sulfoxide.    -   2) Thin layer chromatography of the active material shows five        spots having R_(f) 0.75, 0.64, 0.50, 0.40 and 0.33 in the        solvent system of n-butanol, acetic acid and water in the ratio        of 9:5:7 respectively.    -   3) The HPLC analysis of the active material using Intersil ODS-3        (4.6×250 mm) analytical column, solvent system methanol and        water in the ratio of 4:1 and a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min.,        detection at 217 nm resolved the material into eleven peaks with        the retention time of 2.69, 4.27, 5.95, 6.97, 7.49, 9.39, 11.20,        12.40, 15.53, 18.90 and 21.49 mins.

EXAMPLE 3

(a) Preparation of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC):

Heparinized whole blood (collected from normal individuals) wassubjected to Ficoll Hypaque density gradient centrifugation. Cells inthe interface were washed twice with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) andthen re-suspended in medium RPMI-1640 supplemented with 10%. FetalBovine Serum.

(b) Incubation of Hpbmc With Betel Leaf Extract:

PBMC (5.0×10⁶ cells) were cultured overnight (18 hours) at 37° C. in 5%CO₂ in a total volume of 2.0 ml RPMI+10% FBS in 24 well plates in thepresence or absence of betel leaf extracts (12.5-mg/ml finalconcentration). At the end of the incubation period, PBMC were washedtwice with PBS and used for flow cytometry for the detection of Monocytedestruction.

(c) Monitoring of Light Scattering Induced by Lymphocytes and Monocytesby Flow Cytometry:

hPBMC were incubated with betel extracts, washed with PBS once andresuspended in PBS containing 1% paraformaldehyde. Cells were analyzedin a flow cytometer (FACS Calibur, Becton Dickinson)

(d) Results:

As shown in FIG. 1A, peripheral blood mononuclear cells had expectedproportion of monocytes (R1) and lymphocytes (R2). In contrast hPBMCincubated overnight with betel leaf extract (wild type) had unaffectedlymphocytes (FIG. IB, R2), but had almost complete disappearance ofmonocytes (FIG. IB, R1). It appears that the betel leaf reducesviability of monocytes by at least 80%.

(e) Discussion:

Thus, our results suggest that anti-Monocytic property of betel leafextract could be exploited for treatment of myeloid leukemia.

EXAMPLE 4

Collection of Plant Material:

The leaves and all other plant parts of Piper betel were collected fromthe climber from different areas and West Bengal, India. A voucherspecimen was deposited at the Dept. of Medicinal Chemistry at the IndianInst. of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032.

EXAMPLE 5

Fresh leaves 5.3 kgs of Piper betel is thoroughly washed with distilledwater. Leaves are cut into small pieces. It is then homogenized withdistilled water 1.5 liter in a mixture-blender. The extract was filteredthrough a fine cheese-cloth and the filtrate was collected. The plantmaterial inside the cloth was again extracted with water (1000 ml). Theextract was filtered in a similar way. This process of extraction wasrepeated three times. The combined extract was centrifuged to obtain aclear solution. The clear extract was lyophilized yielding a semi-solidmass 150 gms. The extract was then tested for biological activity.

A potion (10.02 gm) of the extract was fractionated on Sephadex LH-20column chromatography. The column was eluted with water, water-methanol(1:1) and methanol as eluent to give three fractions, fractions 1-3, inthe order of elution. The three fractions were then tested forbiological activity.

The fraction-2 (designated as Fraction E) showed biological activity,i.e., destruction of myeloid cells in human patients' ex vivo blood.Thin layer chromatography of this fraction showed two spots having Rf.0.50 and 0.41 in the solvent system n-butanol:acetic acid:water(13:3:5). The HPLC analysis of this fraction showed several peaks as inFIG. 2 using Intersil ODS-3 (4.6×250 mm) analytical column, with asolvent system methanol:water:acetic acid (23:76:1), having flow rate of1.0 ml/min and detection at 280 nm. With the retention time 3.60, 8.60,9.30, 11.50, 12.70, 16.40, 19.20, 20.00, 24.00 and 36.60 minsrespectively.

Each peak of this fraction E was separated in a preparative HPLC usingμ-Bonda pak column (19×300 mm), with a flow rate 12 ml/min and thedetection at 280 nm. Compounds isolated from individual peak were testedfor biological activity as described above. A purified compound wasisolated from the peak having retention time 24.00 min. The structure ofthe compound was established as 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid (FIG. 3), mp.245 to 247° C., [α]_(D) −75° (methanol).

IR γ^(KBr) _(max) cm⁻¹:3379 (OH), 1691 (CO), 1514, 1383, 1269, 1173 and830

¹H-NMR (CD₃OD) 7.64 (1H,DJ=15.9, H-7), 7.46 (2H,d, J=8.4, H-2 and 6),6.81 (2H,d,J=8.4, H-3 and 5), 6.35 (1H,d,J=15.9,H-8), 5.38 (1H,m,H-3),4.19 (1H, br., H-4) 3.84 (1H,m,H-5), 2.2 (2H, br., H-2) and 2.0 (2H,br., H-6)

¹³C-NMR (CD₃OD) 176.00 (COOH), 167.65 (C-9), 160.24 (C-4), 145.68 (C-7),130.17(C-2 and 6), 126.25 (C-1), 115.81 (C-3 and 5), 75.16 (C-1′),72.48, 70.98, 70.57, 37.79 and 37.22

FAB MS m/z 329 (M⁺+H), 361 (M⁺+Na), 377 (M⁺+K)

EXAMPLE 6

The fresh leaves and all other plant parts of Piper betel (1.2 kg) washomogenized with methanol (800 ml) in a mixture-blender and thensonicated in an ultrasonic bath with 3 burst each for 15 min and allowedto be extracted over night for 16 hrs. Filtering through Whatman No. 1filter paper separated the methanol-extracted material. The process ofextraction was repeated for three times. The combined extract wasevaporated to dryness in a flash evaporator under reduced pressure at40° C. The residual substance was then dried under high vacuum and thesemi-solid mass (35.22 gm) was tested for biological activity (asmentioned above).

The methanol extract (14 gm) was chromatographed on Diaion HP-20 (380gm), elution being carried out with water, water-methanol (1:1) andmethanol. Eluted three fractions were tested for biological activity.

HPTLC of water-methanol fraction (fraction E) showed similar Rf values(0.5 and 0.41) as described in example. Active compound, 3-O-p-coumarylquinic acid was isolated from the fraction E by using preparative HPLCas described in example-5.

EXAMPLE 7

Preparation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from CD33+myeloid leukemia patients ex vivo blood.

Whole blood (10 ml) was drawn from a previously diagnosed CD33+ myeloidleukemic patient and mononuclear cells were separated by Ficoll/hypaqaldensity gradient centrifugation.

EXAMPLE 8

PBMC from CD33⁻ myeloid leukemia patients.

Whole blood (10 ml) was drawn from a previously diagnosed CD33⁻ myeloidleukemia patient. Mononuclear cells were separated by Ficoll/hypaquedensity gradient centrifugation.

EXAMPLE 9

Incubation of PBMC of myeloid leukemia patients with crude Piper betelextract. PBMC (2×10⁶/ml) of myeloid leukemia patients were incubatedwith Piper betel extract (10.0 mg/ml) for 48 hours and then washed andcounted for viability.

EXAMPLE 10

Incubation of PBMC of myeloid leukemia patients with fraction E invitro. PBMC (2×10⁶/ml) of myeloid leukemia patients were incubated withvaried concentrations of fraction E for 48 hours. Cells were then washedand counted for viability.

EXAMPLE 11

Incubation of PBMC of myeloid leukemia patients with purified compound3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid in vitro. PBMC (2×10⁶/ml) of myeloid leukemiapatients were incubated with varied concentrations of purified compoundfor 48 h. Cells were then washed, and counted for viability.

EXAMPLE 12

Flow cytometry of myeloid leukemia cells; Myeloid leukemia cells beforeand after in vitro incubation with crude Piper betel extract, purifiedfraction E or purified 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid were marked withanti-CD33-FITC and anti-CD13-PE monoclonal antibodies. Cells were thenanalysed in a flow cytometer (FACS Calibur, Bection Dickinson, USA)

EXAMPLE 13

Incubation of myeloid leukemic cells with fractions having retentiontime 3.60 (fraction-1) and 24.00 min (fraction 9). PBMC of myeloidleukemic patients were incubated with above-mentioned fractions, aloneor in combination of the two for 48 hrs. Cells were then washed andcounted for viability.

Results of the Experiments:

For Example 9

As shown in FIG. 4, CD33+ myeloid leukemia cells were killed in thepresence of crude Piper betel extract. On the other hand, crude Piperbetel extract has no effect on the CD33 ⁻ myeloid leukemic cells.

For Example Nos. 10, 11, and 12

As shown in FIG. 5, CD33+ myeloid leukemia cells are destroyed byfraction E. On the other hand, CD33⁻ myeloid leukemia cells remainedunaffected. (FIG. 6).

PBMC of CD33+ myeloid leukemia patients (both AML and CML) are destroyedby purified compound 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid (Table -1).

For Example No. 13

As shown in Table 2 combining fractions of 1 and 9 produced greatereffects as compared to their individual activity at lower concentration.TABLE 1 Growth inhibition of AML and CML cells in vitro by purifiedcompound Percent inhibition of growth by purified compound 3-O-p-coumaryl quinic acid Type of myeloid leukemia 100 μg/ml 600 μg/ml AML53.37 100.00 CML 2.53 79.50

TABLE 2 Growth inhibition of AML cells in vitro by fractions 1 and 9Percent inhibition of growth Doses Type of myeloid leukemia Fractions(μg/ml) % Inhibition AML 1 100 79.50 9 100 54.00 1 + 9 50 + 50 100.00While preferred embodiments of our invention have been shown anddescribed with specificity for purposes of 35 U.S.C. § 112, theinvention is to be defined solely by the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method of treating Myeloid leukemia in animals including humanbeings, said method comprising reducing levels of monocytes byadministering a pharmaceutically effective amount of betel leaf extract,lyophilized betel leaf extract or a composition comprising betel leafextract to an animal, including a human being that is suffering fromMyeloid leukemia.
 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein, thecomposition comprising betel leaf extract is combined with apharmaceutically acceptable additive.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 2wherein, the additive does not interfere with the activity of betel leafextract against monocytes.
 4. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein,the additive is selected from nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates,sugar, talc, magnesium sterate, cellulose, calcium carbonate,starch-gelatin paste and/or pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
 5. Amethod as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the betel leaf extract or thecomposition is administered orally or intramuscularly.
 6. A method asclaimed in claim 5 wherein, an oral administration is in the form ofcapsule, syrup, concentrate, powder or granules.
 7. A method as claimedin claim 2 wherein, the ratio of betel leaf extract to the additive isin the range between 1-10:10-1.
 8. A method as claimed in claim 1wherein, the betel leaf extract is obtained using the step of crushingthe betel leaf and extracting the crushed leafs with water or organicsolvents such as alcohol, carbontetrachloride, chloroform and acetone.9. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the betel leaf extract or thecomposition is administered at a dosage level between 5 to 20 mg/kg ofbody weight for alternate days for one month.
 10. A method as claimed inclaim 1 wherein, the pharmaceutical effective amount is that amountwhich reduces the viability of monocytes at least by 80%.
 11. A methodfor the treatment of myeloid leukemia in animals including human beingsby reducing levels of monocytes, comprising the step of administering apharmaceutically effective amount of betel extract.
 12. A method asclaimed in claim 11 wherein, the betel leaf extract is administeredtogether with or associated with a pharmaceutically acceptable additive.13. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein, the additive does notinterfere with the activity of betel leaf extract against monocytes. 14.A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein, the additive is selected fromnutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and sugar, talc, magnesiumsterate, cellulose, calcium carbonate, starch-gelatin paste and/orpharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
 15. A method as claimed in claim11 wherein, the betel leaf extract is administered orally orintramuscularly.
 16. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein, an oraladministration is in the form of capsule, syrup, concentrate, powder orgranules.
 17. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein, the ratio ofbetel leaf extract to the additive is in the range between 1-10:10-1.18. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein, the betel leaf extract isadministered at a dosage level between 5 to 20 mg/kg of body weight foralternate days for one month.
 19. A method as claimed in claim 11wherein, the betel leaf extract is administered at a dosage whichreduces the viability of monocytes at least by 80%.
 20. A method ofproviding anti-monocytic activity in the blood cells of an animal, byadministering a pharmaceutically effective amount of betel leaf as acomposition comprising betel leaf extract to provide anti-monocyticactivity in blood cells.
 21. A method of destroying monocytes present inhuman peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMSs) using betel leaf extract,lyophilized betel leaf extract or a composition comprising betel leafextract, said method comprising treating PBMCs with a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of betel leaf extract, lyophilized betel leaf extractor a composition comprising betel leaf extract.
 22. A method as claimedin claim 21 wherein, the composition comprising betel leaf extract iscombined with a pharmaceutically acceptable additive.
 23. A method asclaimed in claim 22 wherein, the additive is selected in such a mannerthat does not interfere with the activity of betel leaf extract againstmonocytes.
 24. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein, the additive isselected from nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, sugar, talc,magnesium sterate, cellulose, calcium carbonate, starch-gelatin pasteand/or pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
 25. A method as claimed inclaim 21 wherein, the betel leaf extract or the composition isadministered orally or intramuscularly.
 26. A method as claimed in claim25 wherein, the oral administration is in the form of capsule, syrup,concentrate, powder or granules.
 27. A method as claimed in claim 22wherein, the ratio of betel leaf extract to the additive is in the rangebetween 1-10: 10-1.
 28. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein, thebetel leaf extract is obtained using the step of crushing the betel leafand extracting the crushed leafs with water or organic solvents such asalcohol, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and acetone.
 29. A method asclaimed in claim 21 wherein, the betel leaf extract or the compositionis administered at a dosage level between 5 to 20 mg/kg of body weightfor alternate days for one month.
 30. A method as claimed in claim 21wherein, the pharmaceutically effective amount reduces the viability ofmonocytes at least by 80%. 31-47. (canceled)